Sticking with fitness plan need not strain your finances

Updated 1:33 pm, Monday, February 24, 2014

A big reason why many Americans drop their fitness-minded resolutions by mid-February is cost, says consumer and money-saving expert Andrea Woroch. If you joined a gym in January, you may start to notice your membership bill is bulking up faster than your biceps. Those promotions to lure new customers in are fading as quickly as most resolutions. (MCT) ORG XMIT: 1068886 less

A big reason why many Americans drop their fitness-minded resolutions by mid-February is cost, says consumer and money-saving expert Andrea Woroch. If you joined a gym in January, you may start to notice your ... more

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Remember when you resolved that this would be the year you would shed those unwanted pounds and pursue a healthier lifestyle? It's been eight weeks, and of the 45 percent who made New Year's resolutions — many to lose weight — just 8 percent are persevering with that self-promise, according to a recent survey by Sears Holdings.

If you joined a gym in January, you may start to notice your membership bill is bulking up faster than your biceps. Those promotions to lure new customers in are fading as quickly as most resolutions.

Plus, the great deals on diet foods and fitness gear we saw at the start of the year are vanishing.

If the enthusiasm you once felt to work out is waning because of cost, there are ways to trim down expenses while trimming down your waistline. Woroch offers these tips to help you save:

1. Dress for success: It helps to get excited about apparel when you hit the gym, so retire that hole-ridden T-shirt and pair of baggy sweatpants in favor of something more fitted. You can find name-brand workout clothing for less at discount retailers like Ross and TJMaxx. If you have a high-end brand like Lululemon on your mind, allow yourself to splurge on a tank top or zip-up only after reaching a specific goal like losing five pounds or hitting the weights consistently for a month. Setting rewards for such mini-accomplishments will help you stay motivated.

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My best shopportunity:

Walmart: School was out on Friday, Valentine's Day, because of the snow, so my procrastination — and gamble that the classroom holiday parties would be put off — paid off. I was able to pick up packs of treats (stickers, bubbles, lollipops) for my kids' Valentine's Day goody bags for 50 percent off. And, while we did already have their cards written and ready to go, I stocked up on more for next year.

2. Use coupons for gear: If sticking to your resolution requires working out at home, the right gear will also motivate you. Retailers are mindful of your resolution and are currently offering deals and promotions. For easy access to in-store savings, download the Coupon Sherpa mobile app for deals at stores like Dick's Sporting Goods, where you can save up to $40 off on weights and accessories.

3. Redeem holiday rewards: Don't forget to redeem rewards earned through loyalty programs or credit cards, which can offset the cost of new equipment.

4. Shop used equipment: For at-home fitness, you can't beat a good treadmill, elliptical or stationary bike. However, this equipment can cost you a small fortune when purchased new. Keep your eyes peeled at garage sales or peruse local listings on Craigslist for used alternatives. People who stopped using the equipment will be eager to rid their homes of these space hogs. Just be sure to read reviews on the make and model and inspect the condition of the equipment before committing to a purchase.

5. Visit gyms for equipment: Many people visit gyms to inquire about memberships and amenities, but you can also ask the facility manager if he or she has any old equipment for sale. Health clubs that have recently upgraded their equipment will have excess inventory and may be able to sell you quality exercise machines, dumbbells and other gear for cheap. For example, I scored a Spinning Spinner FIT Bike for just $150 — $450 less than retail price — by chatting with my gym's manager.

6. Repurpose: It would be nice to kick off the new year with new dumbbells, resistance bands and medicine balls, but loading up on gear will seriously derail your other New Year's resolution to spend less. Luckily, several household items represent great substitutes for fitness gear, like canned goods as light weights or pantyhose as a resistance band. You can also use a chair to deepen such strength-building moves as incline lunges, push-ups and tricep dips. Once you get in the habit of working out, then you may feel more comfortable spending on the appropriate gear.

7. Stream videos: Workout DVDs represent a great way to mix up your fitness regimen, but they're so '90s. These days, you can stream workout videos online at The Daily Hiit or subscribe to a YouTube channel that features preferred workout styles. From yoga to dance to high-intensity training, you can find daily and weekly workouts online for free or far less than you'd pay for a gym membership. If you aren't sure where to look on YouTube, check out Mashable's roundup of top free fitness channels.

8. Use your body weight: Although gear and equipment can enhance your routine, all you need to get a good workout is your own body weight. Planks, squats, lunges, burpees, push-ups and mountain climbers are hard enough without added weight. You can also follow do tabata-style training by working out out at your max level for 20 seconds at eight intervals, for a total of four minutes with a 10-second rest in between each interval. This high-intensity circuit training guarantees quick results to help you stay motivated and keep basic body weight moves challenging.

9. Shop warehouse clubs: Big-box stores and fitness retailers aren't your only options when shopping for new equipment. Warehouse club stores also offer equipment like stationary bikes, treadmills, all-in-one gym systems and heart-rate monitors at a lower cost than you can find in regular retail.

10. Be a kid: If you have children, you likely envy their endless energy and enthusiastic approach to physical activity. Instead of sitting on the sidelines while they run around, join them on the playground by practicing pull-ups on the monkey bars or using your core to get higher on the swings. Dust off your mountain bike, tennis rackets or baseball bat and gloves and turn fitness into fun again.

11. Get it for free: They say the best things in life are free, and it is possible to get your fitness equipment without paying a dime. FreeCycle.org is an online community that connects locals looking to unload their clutter at no cost. Also, don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member if you can borrow a piece of exercise gear you know he or she isn't currently using. This is a great way to test out something new before buying it, like a workout DVD, ab roller or TRX suspension system.